The smfBox is an open-source platform for single-molecule FRET
Benjamin Ambrose, James M. Baxter, John Cully, Matthew Willmott, Elliot M. Steele, Benji Bateman, Marisa L. Martin-Fernandez, Ashley J. Cadby, Jonathan R. Shewring, Marleen Aaldering, Timothy D. Craggs
Abstract
Single-molecule Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET) is a powerful technique capable of resolving both relative and absolute distances within and between structurally dynamic biomolecules. High instrument costs, and a lack of open-source hardware and acquisition software have limited smFRET's broad application by non-specialists. Here, we present the smfBox, a cost-effective confocal smFRET platform, providing detailed build instructions, open-source acquisition software, and full validation, thereby democratising smFRET for the wider scientific community.